Selecting the Right College

The high school year is well underway and it is time to actively start considering the college education opportunities for your child who may be graduating in the spring. Times have changed is an understatement in higher education.

In addition to acquiring the academic information in college which is critical for professional career choices, your child will be subjected to a barrage of information that is political and values based. The college education experience will instill values in your child that will probably last a lifetime and may be more influential than what was learned in their family.

What beliefs do you value and want your child to acquire? What values does your life experience embrace? Will those values be reinforced in your child or will they be undermined by the curriculum, professors, campus organizations and the overall tone and tenor of the college your child will attend?

Obviously one would want their offspring attending college to be exposed to a variety of diverse views about a multitude of subjects, however from what value base is that study to be undertaken? For instance, how will American History be presented? How will government classes interpret the meaning of our Constitution? What world view will be presented in science classes? How will religion be addressed in philosophy classes? Is it enough to trust that diverse views will be presented and your child will be able to arrive at the informed conclusions which you know to be true?

It is becoming increasingly apparent that the values which are taught in colleges and universities will be adopted by our children. Can subjects be taught from a values neutral position? The practical answer to that question is no. Every teacher and professor has certain values and beliefs that are in fact inculcated in their students. Can one really expect an atheist to provide the same instruction as a Christian, Jew or Muslim? We all know that how a question is framed will often dictate the response. Even if an open discussion among students is encouraged, which responses will be reinforced by the professor and which will be challenged or discarded?

Ugh! Anyone reading this might be tempted to say, "With all the considerations that are necessary in the selection of a college for my child, I don't need any more." Sadly, this college consideration may be the most critical for your child's future. Lifetime bonds, career choices and perhaps even a marriage partner will be selected while they are acquiring a college education. Attitudes and beliefs about a myriad of subjects will be cemented during the college experience. In addition to the academic experience, your child will probably be faced with choices concerning alcohol consumption, sexual beliefs, political affiliations, abortion and a number of other belief and lifestyle options. Does it matter to you? If the answer is yes, then it is important to review the philosophies, statements and student experiences that reveal the character of the college or university where your child might apply for admission.

Here are links to colleges with conservative as well as liberal philosophies.